Sodium Hydroxystearate
AKA “Octadecanoic acid, monosodium salt, 12-Hydroxystearic acid, sodium salt, Monosodium 12-hydroxystearate, UNII-41MQN4869V, sodium salt (1:1)”
Synthetic
Ingredient Facts
Sodium hydroxystearate
AKA: Octadecanoic acid, Monosodium salt, 12-Hydroxystearic acid, Sodium salt, Monosodium 12-hydroxystearate, UNII-41MQN4869V, Sodium salt (1:1)
Synthetic · Cleansing · EWG: 4
Plant-Derived
Cleanser
Plant Oil
Synthetic
Clean
A naturally derived cleanser that gently removes dirt and oil while maintaining skin's natural balance. Derived from plant-based sources.
Formula
C18H35NaO3
Mol. Weight
322.50
CAS #
13329-67-4
Form
Liquid
See origin →
Functions
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Surfactant Cleansing
Anti-Inflammatory
Antimicrobial
Fights Acne
Removes dirt and impurities
Lifts away dirt and oil
Traditional Use
Developed in the mid-20th century as a synthetic emulsifier and thickening agent derived from stearic acid (a naturally occurring fatty acid). Created to improve stability and texture in cosmetic formulations without traditional historical use.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Effects of Sodium Salts of Fatty Acids and Their Derivatives on Skin Permeation of Cromolyn Sodium.
Akinbote OE, Verana G, Dandekar AA, Tijani AO, Mishra D et al.
AAPS PharmSciTech, 2023
Effects of Sodium Salts of Fatty Acids and Their Derivatives on Skin Permeation of Cromolyn Sodium.
Akinbote OE, Verana G, Dandekar AA, Tijani AO, Mishra D et al.
AAPS PharmSciTech, 2023
Sodium Hydroxystearate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
SODIUM SALT
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Verified Feb 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR